citation_inspection: 3431

On the morning of September 15, 2023 at approximately 9:00 AM Eastern Time, UDSA personnel inspected rabbits which were located in the “warm room” building; most or all of these rabbits had been present overnight. Some of the rabbits had no drinking water. When water was provided some rabbits drank ravenously for a prolonged time. A black male Flemish giant rabbit (tag #6659) drank for over 4 minutes, requiring the water cup to be refilled. A grey and black female rabbit (tag #4058) drank for over 2.5 minutes when water was provided (this animal had small babies in the enclosure with her). A female white lionhead rabbit (tag #4059) drank for more than 40 seconds when water was provided (this animal also had small babies in the enclosure with her). The facility representative was informed and the remaining rabbits who didn’t have water were promptly provided with water. One female white rabbit and 7 kits (tag #4102) was extremely restless and hungry. The rabbits were trying to reach a half-eaten carrot that was beside their cage. When USDA personnel placed the carrot into the cage, the rabbits ravenously ate it, pushing each other out of the way. The kits continued to lick the bars of the cage where the carrot had been. Facility staff were informed and the rabbit was provided with food. The morning of 9/16/23 some cages of rabbits had empty or no water bowls. USDA personnel requested that water be provided to the cages, and when it was provided the rabbits showed signs of extreme thirst: A brown lop eared rabbit (tag 5626) drank water for 4 minutes, a grey rabbit (tag 4454) drank for 2 minutes, a brown Flemish giant rabbit (tag 7725) drank for over 2.5 minutes, and 5 young rabbits in one cage (tag 7716) drank for 5 minutes (pushing each other out of the way to get to the water bowl). Food and water are important for animal health and wellbeing. Animals that do not have adequate food and water may suffer from thirst, hunger, dehydration, low blood sugar, or death. Lactating female animals require more water in order to produce milk for their offspring. Correct by 9/17/23 by ensuring that rabbits in transport for more than 6 hours have adequate quantity and quality of food and drinking water.